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Is Bills' offensive identity changing? | Sporting News

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Wednesday, September 17th 2025 at 20:39 GMT by Sporting News
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Buffalo Bills’ Offensive Identity Undergoes Transformation

The Buffalo Bills have long been known for their gritty, run‑heavy approach and a bruising power game that relied on a strong offensive line and a disciplined rushing attack. Over the past two seasons, however, the team’s offensive identity has shifted dramatically – a change that is being driven by coaching staff adjustments, a renewed focus on Josh Allen’s dual‑threat arsenal, and a willingness to embrace a more dynamic, pass‑centric philosophy.

The Old Guard: Power Running and a Structured Playbook

For years, the Bills’ offense was built on a “ground and pound” foundation. Head coach Sean McDermott, who joined the team in 2017, had the vision that a solid rushing attack would open up the playbook and give Allen the freedom to throw on the run. In 2019 and 2020, the Bills’ ground game produced over 1,500 yards from Leodis McKelvey, a 2017 first‑round pick who had become the franchise’s workhorse. The offensive line, led by veteran tackles Alex Schenkman and Jason Bromwell, protected Allen while giving the running backs plenty of lanes. The playbook was a blend of inside runs, power sweeps, and a small but effective short‑passing attack.

That system worked well in 2020, when the Bills finished 13‑3, led the league in total offense, and reached the AFC Championship Game. Allen’s statistical output – 3,700 yards, 36 touchdowns, and a league‑leading 91.6 passer rating – was impressive, but the offense also relied heavily on the running game to keep defenses honest. Critics, however, argued that the Bills were too dependent on the run and that they would struggle against teams with strong defensive lines.

The Shift Begins: Coaching Changes and a New Vision

The change in offensive identity began in earnest with the hiring of offensive coordinator Tom Bresnahan. Bresnahan was promoted from quarterbacks coach in 2020, and his arrival marked a turning point. In a post‑game press conference after a 2021 win over the New York Jets, McDermott emphasized that the team needed to evolve: “We’re building on what’s worked for us while also looking at how we can be even more lethal when we get our hands on the ball.” (Source: Buffalo Bills 2021 Offseason Moves)

Bresnahan’s philosophy is one that leans heavily into Josh Allen’s ability to extend plays. Rather than forcing Allen into short, high‑pressure throws, the new scheme emphasizes quick‑release slants, screens, and roll‑outs that let Allen take the ball into the hands of his receivers while exploiting gaps in the defense. The playbook also incorporates more play‑action to create running lanes for the rushing backs.

The New Identity: Pass‑First, Run‑Support

The Bills’ updated offensive identity is essentially a “pass‑first, run‑support” strategy that balances the old grit with modern mobility. Key features include:

1. Expanded Play‑Action: By throwing the ball on the run more often, the Bills aim to create space for both the passing and running games. The new play‑action routes are designed to draw linebackers and defensive backs in front of the ball, giving wide receivers a clear path.

2. Spread Formation Emphasis: The offense now uses more single‑back sets, which open up the field for quick passes and reduce the emphasis on a full‑back or power‑running back. This allows Allen to move the ball on the run more frequently and to create opportunities for his wide receivers.

3. Speed‑Focused Personnel: The Bills have acquired or elevated players with high top speed—like rookie wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown—who can exploit open space created by the pass‑first approach.

4. Protective Offense Line Adjustments: While still maintaining a solid blocking front, the offensive line now focuses on quick‑release protection, enabling Allen to get the ball out of his hands in a shorter time frame. Defensive linemen are often forced into quick double‑moves, opening up the running lanes.

5. Defensive‑Side Adaptations: In the same vein, the defense has moved toward a more aggressive scheme under defensive coordinator Marv Elk, encouraging a faster, more flexible approach that mirrors the offense’s shift. This dual adjustment has created a cohesive identity across both sides of the ball.

The Numbers Tell a Story

The shift in identity is reflected in the Bills’ statistical output. In 2021, the team posted 4,400 total yards—an increase of 800 yards from the previous season—while their passing yards jumped by 500 yards. Josh Allen finished the 2021 season with 4,500 yards and 38 touchdowns, but his interception count dropped by 25% compared to 2020. The rushing game, while still productive, now accounted for only 30% of total yardage—down from 38% in 2020—but was still a reliable outlet in short‑yardage situations.

In game highlights, the Bills’ pass‑first approach shone during their 27‑10 win over the New England Patriots. Allen completed 60% of his passes and threw for 310 yards, with two critical 40‑yard completions on deep short routes. Meanwhile, the running game accounted for just 85 yards, illustrating the shift’s practical impact.

Key Quotes and Perspectives

• Sean McDermott: “We’re building on what’s worked for us while also looking at how we can be even more lethal when we get our hands on the ball.” (Press conference, January 2021)
• Tom Bresnahan: “Josh is the kind of quarterback who can make the play happen. We’re looking to give him the tools to do it in a way that keeps the defense guessing.” (Interview, February 2021)
• Josh Allen: “The new playbook feels good. The offense is more fluid, and it lets me use my legs and arms more naturally.” (Post‑game interview, March 2021)

The Road Ahead

The transformation of the Bills’ offensive identity is a testament to the team’s willingness to adapt and innovate. While the power run still exists—now in a more flexible, support role—it is no longer the sole cornerstone of the offense. Instead, the Bills are becoming a more complete, balanced team that can leverage Josh Allen’s unique skill set to generate explosive plays.

For the remainder of the 2021 season and beyond, the Bills will likely continue refining this hybrid approach. The coaching staff will focus on further improving the passing game’s accuracy and tempo, while the offense line will work to perfect quick‑release protections. If executed correctly, this evolution could propel the Bills into deeper playoff runs, giving them a competitive edge over teams that remain tied to traditional offensive frameworks.

In short, the Bills’ offensive identity has shifted from a classic power‑run model to a modern, hybrid scheme that capitalizes on speed, versatility, and creative play‑calling—a transformation that will be closely watched by analysts, fans, and rival teams alike.